Most of my clients won’t know it but every single session I will be fidgeting with playdough. Why? Engaging my hands in a mindless sensory experience while working with my clients grounds my body and mind to the present moment.
It started when I facilitated in-person group therapy with adults that varied with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We made playdough as a group and although it was stressful for some members to make it was overall a stress-reducing activity for the members. They would utilize the playdough throughout the day. It supported the client's in focusing and grounding their thoughts and emotions. One day, I was feeling sick and stayed home so I conducted my therapy sessions virtually. I grabbed my homemade slime and playdough while I facilitated art therapy virtually. I noticed that I was more focused throughout the sessions and found more progress made at the end of each session.
I am now in private practice working with young adults and teens. I conduct all of my therapy sessions virtually whether it is an art therapy session or just a typical talk therapy session. Every day when I sit down to spend 55 minutes with a client I reach for my little stack of playdough. It provides grounding for me throughout the session while I talk with my clients about childhood trauma, everyday work anxieties, suicidal ideation, abusive relationships, etc. I am focused and ready to take on anything that is thrown my way. Using playdough in my art therapy sessions is crucial part of my practice. What is a tool you use to help you stay grounded and focused in your practice?
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